Book Recommendations for PAs on the Way to Financial Independence

How a Wedding Sparked My Journey to Financial Independence 

Sometimes, life-changing moments come from the most unexpected places. For me, it was in May 2019 at the wedding of a PA friend / former coworker. On the way there, my husband and I were carpooling with another PA friend and her husband. Little did I know, that car ride would change my financial mindset forever.

Her husband casually introduced us to the concept of travel hacking—using travel rewards to make vacations more affordable. That conversation was just the tip of the iceberg. It sparked a curiosity that led me to discover the world of financial independence (FI), and I haven’t looked back since.

Since that pivotal moment, I’ve become an FI enthusiast. I’ve binge-listened to podcasts, devoured blogs, and leisurely worked through several inspiring books. Along the way, I’ve come to believe that the principles of FI can be powerful tools to combat and prevent burnout, especially for healthcare providers like me.

If you love reading as much as I do, this list of my top FI book recommendations will be your new best friend. Each one is packed with motivation, insight, and actionable advice to guide you on your FI journey.

(Oh, and if you decide to purchase any of these books and use the links below, you’ll also be supporting PA the FI Way podcast. Some of these are referral Amazon links, so I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!)

My Top 10 FI Book Recommendations

1. The Simple Path to Wealth by J.L. Collins

New to FI? Start here. This book simplifies wealth-building into a no-nonsense guide that’s perfect for beginners. J.L. Collins shares his mistakes and wisdom, emphasizing patience and a “buy-and-hold” approach to investing. You’ll learn why time in the market beats timing the market and gain the confidence to weather financial ups and downs.

Bonus tip: Check out his podcast guest appearances—his calm, wise voice is as reassuring as his advice.

2. Quit Like a Millionaire by Kristy Shen and Bryce Leung

Entertaining and eye-opening, this book introduces core FI concepts through Kristy Shen’s incredible life story—from extreme poverty in China to financial freedom. You’ll learn about the power of “running the numbers,” spending on experiences over things, and leveraging geoarbitrage to live luxuriously for less.

Fair warning: There’s a fair bit of colorful language peppered throughout. 

3. The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

This book is a gem—especially if you enjoy exploring the intersection of money and psychology. Morgan Housel’s insightful anecdotes and quotes will challenge how you think about wealth and decision-making.

Key takeaways:

• Freedom is the ultimate goal of money.
• Plan for the unexpected, because life rarely goes according to plan.
• Stealth wealth > flashy spending.

4. Set for Life by Scott Trench

Scott Trench dives into building wealth with practical advice on frugality, real estate investing, and cutting unnecessary expenses. If you’re interested in house hacking to help you save on one of your biggest costs (housing), this is your go-to resource.

5. Choose FI by Chris Mamula, Brad Barrett, and Jonathan Mendonsa

From the hosts of the Choose FI podcast, this book lays out the foundation of FI: spend less, earn more, and invest the difference. It’s a concise, actionable guide for anyone starting their FI journey.

6. I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi

Ramit’s approach is all about designing your Rich Life—spending intentionally on what brings you joy while automating your finances for success. This book is perfect for anyone wanting to align their money with their values without feeling deprived.

7. Atomic Habits by James Clear

Good habits build great results. James Clear’s book is a must-read for anyone looking to make lasting changes, whether in finances or other areas of life. You’ll learn how small, consistent actions can compound into remarkable outcomes over time.

8. The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko

Prepare to have your perspective on wealth flipped upside down. Most millionaires don’t flaunt their money—they quietly build it by avoiding lifestyle creep and practicing “stealth wealth.” This book will inspire you to focus on what truly matters.

9. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

Controversial? Maybe. Life-changing? Definitely. This classic introduces you to the difference between assets and liabilities and how to build wealth through real estate, business, and investments.

10. The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss

If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping the 9-to-5 grind, this book is for you. Tim Ferriss shares strategies for designing your ideal lifestyle, creating remote income streams, and reclaiming your time and freedom.

Honorable Mentions

• Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez
• Financial Freedom by Grant Sabatier
• The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason (This book is such a straightforward read, that kids or teenagers could easily learn from it as well!) 

Whether you’re just starting your FI journey or you’re looking for fresh inspiration, these books are a treasure trove of wisdom. Reading is one of the best ways to expand your financial literacy and help you stay motivated on your journey to FI.